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Susanna Reid and Holly Willoughby on Good Morning Britain© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Susanna Reid shares heartfelt message to Holly Willoughby live on GMB after This Morning exit

The Good Morning Britain star sent her "best wishes" to Holly

October 11, 2023
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Susanna Reid sent her "best wishes" to her ITV colleague Holly Willoughby following her departure from This Morning after 14 years. 

At the beginning of Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, the journalist said: "I just want to open the show by sending, I'm sure, all of our very best wishes to Holly Willoughby, who has made what is clearly the difficult decision to step down from This Morning on ITV daytime after 14 years at the programme.

"She's clearly made the right decision for her and her family, as she says, a very difficult goodbye, but family first."

Susanna Reid in red dress on GMB© Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock
Susanna Reid sent her "best wishes" to Holly Willoughby

She continued: "Our very, very best wishes to Holly, a beloved colleague. I'll miss seeing her walking past as she goes to work."

Susanna's co-host Ed Balls added: "She's had such a tough year, but you feel confident that she'll be back on television soon, we don't know when but she’s a total star, so it'll be a big loss."

Holly announced her departure from This Morning on Tuesday in a statement that read: "I have let ITV know today that after 14 years, I will not be returning to This Morning. To everyone who has ever worked on the show over the years, thank you so so much. This is such a difficult goodbye, you are incredible and I forever will be proud of what we've done together."

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She continued: "Thank you to everyone at ITV for being supportive. To every guest who has sat on our sofa, thank you. Most of all, thank you to the wonderful viewers. You've been so loyal, so supportive and the very best company every day.

"Richard and Judy said 'we only look after this show, it will always belong to the viewers'. It's been an honour to just be part of its story and I know this story has many chapters left to go. Sadly, however, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family. I will miss you all so much. Holly."

Holly Willoughby on 'This Morning'© Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock
Holly Willoughby stepped down from This Morning on Tuesday

The 42-year-old was quickly inundated with messages on social media, including from her This Morning co-stars Dermot O'Leary and Alison Hammond

Dermot penned: "Nothing but love and respect for you and yours. X," while Alison added: "This is a very sad day! Love you."

MORE HOLLY: Holly Willoughby recalls dealing with dyslexia as a child: 'I felt shameful'

READ: Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield 'Channel 4 TV drama' sparks reaction from fans

Josie Gibson also commented: "You've made me laugh until my cheeks ache sharing the sofa with you. We are sending you so much love HW."

Holly's exit comes shortly after a man was charged over an alleged plot to kidnap and murder the star.

Holly Willoughby waving in purple dress© Joe Maher
Holly's exit comes after a man was charged for an alleged kidnap plot against her

Gavin Plumb, 36, appeared in Chelmsford magistrates court on Friday, accused of "soliciting to commit murder and incitement to commit kidnap". He has been remanded into custody until a plea hearing on November 3.

Holly first joined This Morning as Phillip Schofield's co-host back in 2009. The pair fronted the show together until Phillip's departure from ITV in May. The 61-year-old presenter stepped down from his role on the show after admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" relationship with a younger colleague on the show. 

Phillip Schofield in a grey suit and wedding ring at the Dancing On Ice photocall in January 2023© Getty
Phillip Schofield left ITV earlier this year

Reacting to the news at the time, Holly told This Morning viewers that she was he felt "shaken, troubled and let down".

WATCH: Holly Willoughby addresses Phillip Schofield controversy following This Morning return

"I think what unites us all now is a desire to heal for the health and wellbeing of everyone," the presenter said. "I hope that as we start this new chapter and get back to a place of warmth and magic that this show holds for all of us, we can find strength in each other."

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